With severe weather expected to hit the Syracuse area Wednesday afternoon, public services are shutting early and the city has opened safety shelters.
Earlier in the day on Wednesday, the National Weather issued a Tornado Warning for parts of Central New York and a Tornado Watch for Syracuse. The city is bracing for thunderstorms with excessive rainfall, which could trigger flash floodin and power outages, with strong winds and hail possible, Mayor Ben Walsh said.
The city closed administrative offices beginning at 2:30 p.m., and libraries were also closing early.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs canceled all programming, and field permits for Wednesday were revoked, Walsh said.
"The weather impact of Hurricane Beryl has the potential to be significant in Syracuse, and our top priority is to ensure the well-being of everyone in our city,” he said. “Please take all necessary precautions and stay informed as we navigate this storm together."
The city cautions against driving or walking on flooded streets.
The Syracuse Mets postponed their game Wednesday against Scranton. It will be made up as part of a single-admission double header at 4:05 p.m. Thursday.
It has also opened safety shelters from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at:
- Cecile Community Center, 174 W. Seneca Turnpike
- Magnarelli Community Center, 2308 Grant Boulevard
- Wilson Park Community Center, 1117 South McBride Street
- Seals Community Center, 300 W Borden Avenue